Look beyond the university name
Paderborn University is a public research university in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was founded in 1972 and 20,308 students were enrolled at the university in the winter semester 2016/2017 in 62 different degree programmes.
| Location | Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Institution type | University |
| Total students | 20,316 |
| Faculty & staff | 2,425 |
| Research works (OpenAlex) | 37,316 |
| Total citations | 1,263,728 |
| President | Birgitt Riegraf |
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
What can you study at Paderborn University?
Academics In 2006, the computer science program was ranked among the top 3 programs in the most comprehensive and detailed ranking of German universities by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) and the German weekly news magazine " Die Zeit ". In the same year, the university was ranked among the leading institutions in terms of gaining research funds in the areas of electrical engineering, computer science and systems engineering by the German Research Foundation . The interdisciplinary research centers at the university include Heinz Nixdorf Institute, Paderborn center for Parallel Computing, Paderborn Institute for Scientific Computation, Cooperative Computing and Communication Laboratory (C-Lab) and Software quality lab (S-lab). RailCab is a research project by Paderborn University. Its purpose is the examination of the use of linear engines for the propulsion of autonomous, rail mounted vehicles. ^ "Centre for Higher Education Development" . ^ "The Paderborn Center for Parallel Computing" . ^ "Paderborn Institute for Scientific Computation" .
Research strengths (by indexed output): Organoboron and organosilicon chemistry, Advanced NMR Techniques and Applications, Synthesis and characterization of novel inorganic/organometallic compounds, Advanced Software Engineering Methodologies, Crystal structures of chemical compounds.
For the complete programme catalogue with entry requirements per degree, check the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Know your admission route
Admission requirements, deadlines and required documents vary by programme and intake. The university publishes these on its official admissions pages.
Always verify current deadlines on the official website — third-party sites may carry outdated dates.
Official source: Official website ↗
Tuition & costs
Tuition fees change each academic year and differ by programme, study level (undergraduate/graduate) and residency status. JournalsWorld does not publish estimated figures that may be outdated.
Check the university's official tuition & fees page for the current schedule applicable to your intake.
Official source: Official website ↗
Research at Paderborn University
According to OpenAlex, Paderborn University has 37,316 indexed research works with 1,263,728 total citations.
Most-cited affiliated researchers
- U. Gerstmann — 42,041 citations
- Robert Schade — 7,298 citations
- Holger Mühlenbernd — 6,672 citations
- Thomas Zentgraf — 6,672 citations
- Marcus Elstner — 5,270 citations
Source: OpenAlex (most-cited affiliated authors)
Official source: Official website ↗
Who leads Paderborn University?
The current President is Birgitt Riegraf.
Official source: Official website ↗
Campus & student life
Paderborn University is located in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
For housing options, campus facilities and student services, see the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Contact Paderborn University
Official website: https://www.uni-paderborn.de/ ↗
For admissions enquiries, department contacts and phone numbers, use the official contact page.
Official source: Official website ↗
Frequently asked questions
When was Paderborn University founded?
Paderborn University was founded in 1972.
How many students attend?
Approximately 20,316 students.
What are the admission requirements?
Requirements vary by programme. Check the admission section above and verify on the official website.
How much is tuition?
Tuition changes yearly. See the official tuition page for current figures.
Who is the president?
Birgitt Riegraf.